New Slussen will be adapted to the climate
New Slussen is being built to last around 100 years, which is the usual lifespan for this type of construction. New Slussen reduces today's threat of flooding, as well as allowing for an increase in sea level caused by future climate change. Slussen is designed to be able to manage the elevation of the sea level that SMHI (Sweden's Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) considers likely within its lifespan.
Adapting to climate change with the help of ArcelorMittal steel
The construction of the New Slussen is one of the largest urban transformation projects in Sweden. The original Slussen, built in 1642, is the lock that separates the sea from the fresh water of Lake Mälaren. Working in collaboration with the City of Stockholm, the 12 Billion SEK project seeks to create a dynamic urban quarter, responding to its historic context and transforming the city centre.
One important function for New Slussen is to reduce the threat of flooding and protect the drinking water for two million people in Mälardalen. And that is where ArcelorMittal comes in...
New Slussen is important for the whole region
The rebuilding of Slussen is of great significance for Stockholm and also for the rest of Mälardalen.
Stainless Duplex plates manufactured by Industeel Belgium and formed at Industeel Dunkerque will be welded together to form a flood gate of approximately 36 metres in length. These will be mounted on Lake Mälaren. The plates will help to reduce the threat of flooding and to protect the drinking water for the people in Mälardalen.
The water level of Lake Mälaren is controlled at several places in Stockholm and Södertälje by allowing the water to drain from the lake into the sea. When large quantities of water flow into Lake Mälaren because of melting snow for example, not enough water can flow into the sea.
Building larger canals for the sake of water
By building new, largers canals at Slussen, today's threat of flooding can be removed. In this way, access to drinking water is assured and vulnerable areas - such as the underground station in the Old Town, regional airports, and other important infrastructure buildings and agricultural land - are protected from the current threat of flooding.
Changing the control of the lake's water level also benefits the wildlife around the beaches of the Mälaren, improving conditions for birds, bats, fish, and frogs with a higher water level in the spring. There will also be advantages for shipping, particularly in reducing the risk of running aground.
Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia
Images:
ArcelorMittal
Hamed.se / Shutterstock
Per-Boge / Shutterstock
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Video:
ArcelorMittal
Transport of the segments for the flood gate of the Slussen project in Stockholm to our customer Stål & Rörmontage.